`
GUIDE TO CCAMLR NEW AND EXPLORATORY FISHERIES
February 2015
Longline fishing vessel the ‘Antarctic Cheiftain’ operating in Antarctic waters.
Australian Longline Pty Ltd
Box 7051, Canberra Business Centre, ACT 2610 Tel (02) 6225 5555 Fax (02) 6225 5500 AFMA Direct 1300
723 621
Table of Contents
Important note
3
Executive Summary
3
1.
Introduction
4
2.
Background
4
2.1
The Convention
2.2
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
5
2.3
What are New and Exploratory fisheries?
6
2.4
Australian and CCAMLR requirements for New and Exploratory fisheries
applications
7
Jurisdictional status of waters in the CCAMLR area
9
2.5
4
3
Approval process for New and Exploratory proposals
9
4
Application format for New and Exploratory fisheries
11
5
6
7
4.1
Expressions of interest
11
4.2
Proposals
12
4.3
Assistance
13
Other requirements to consider when submitting a proposal
5.1
Flagging of vessels
13
5.2
Australian boat status
13
5.3
Declaration of a foreign boat as an Australian boat
14
5.4
Company/vessel ownership and credibility
14
5.5
Vessel requirements
15
5.6
Report following new or exploratory fishing activity
15
Schedule of fees and charges
16
6.1
Proposal application fee
17
6.2
Company/vessel ownership and credibility
17
6.3
Vessel deeming fee
17
6.4
Shipping Registration fees
17
6.5
CCAMLR fee
17
6.6
Management fee
18
Key contacts
AFMA
Warning
18
18
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)
8
13
19
19
Current fisheries status
20
Attachment 1 - Selected CCAMLR Conservation Measures
25
Attachment 2 – Declaring a foreign boat to be an “Australian boat”
26
Why do you need to have an Australian boat nominated on your fishing permit or statutory
fishing right?
26
What happens if a boat is not an “Australian boat”?
26
What is the legal definition of an ‘Australian boat’?
26
Can my boat be listed on the Australian Shipping Register?
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
26
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My boat is Australian flagged. Does this mean it is an Australian boat?
27
What can I do if my boat is a foreign boat, and I would like AFMA to declare it to be an
“Australian boat”?
27
How will AFMA assess an application?
27
Declaring foreign-flagged boats as Australian boats
28
Can a foreign-flagged Australian boat fish outside the AFZ?
29
How long will AFMA take to assess an application?
29
How much does an application cost?
29
Where can I get more information?
29
Attachment 3 - AFMA vessel suitability assessment guidelines for Antarctic waters
30
Purpose
30
Assessment Guidelines
30
1.
Vessel Details
31
2.
Certification
31
3.
Life Saving, Safety and Fire Fighting Equipment
31
4.
Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Fuel Oil
32
5.
General Condition of Hull and Decks (including Fishing Gear)
35
6.
Stability
35
7.
Health and Safety
36
8.
Suitability for Operation in High Sea States
36
9.
Communications
37
10.
Crewing
37
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Important note
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this document
is correct and accurate at the time of printing. However, the information provided is
intended to serve as a guide only, and therefore the Australian Fisheries Management
Authority (AFMA), the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD), the Department of
Agriculture (DA), and others involved in the New and Exploratory fisheries process
shall in no way be liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence of otherwise,
arising from the use of or reliance upon this document.
Executive Summary
The ‘Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries’ has been prepared to assist
potential applicants who seek to nominate and operate an Australian vessel in high
seas waters administered by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine
Living Resources (CCAMLR) during the 2015/16 season. The 2015/16 season
commences on 1 December 2015.
The aim of the Guide is to:
 make transparent the processes undertaken by Government;
 detail the standards which applicants must meet for Australia to support their
applications to CCAMLR;
 make applicants aware that they must be prepared to make publicly available their
individual/company details, including details of their fishing history and reputation;
and
 provide background information to assist applicants in developing their proposals.
The target species will depend on the CCAMLR area being fished. The principal
species which may be targeted are Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides)
and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni). Demersal longlining is the primary
fishing method used, although potting for both toothfish and crabs have been
proposed by members for use in New and Exploratory fisheries.
The fisheries operate as competitive total allowable catches (TACs) which allow for a
number of nominated vessels from CCAMLR member countries to fish the TAC set for
the particular CCAMLR statistical area or small scale research unit (SSRU). The
CCAMLR Secretariat closes the fishery once the TAC is taken, which depending on
your fishing plan may mean you do not get access to the fishery.
The fisheries operate in accordance with CCAMLR Conservation Measures.
Conservation Measures are reviewed annually. Some key Conservation Measures for
CCAMLR New and Exploratory fisheries are at Attachment 1. The complete set of
Conservation Measures can be viewed on the CCAMLR website at www.ccamlr.org
Potential applicants should carefully read this Guide before submitting a proposal and
are asked to look at the following sections in particular:
 section 2.3 (What are New and Exploratory fisheries?) and related Conservation
Measures 21-01 (2010) and 21-02 (2014);
 section 2.4 (Australian and CCAMLR requirements for New and Exploratory
fisheries applications);
 section 4 (Application format for New and Exploratory fisheries);
 section 5 (Other requirements to consider when submitting a proposal); and

section 6 (Schedule of fees and charges).
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
1.
Introduction
The Guide provides information on New and Exploratory fisheries within the waters
covered by the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
(the Convention). The Guide also outlines the process for considering, developing and
approving proposals to fish in these fisheries. It is hoped that this information will
assist industry in developing successful fishing proposals that meet Australian and
CCAMLR standards. AFMA has prepared the Guide in consultation with AAD, which is
a Division of the Department of the Environment.
2.
Background
2.1
The Convention
The Convention entered into force in 1982 and forms part of the Antarctic Treaty
System. The Convention arose in response to concerns about the potential for a krill
fishery to significantly affect the Antarctic ecosystem, which is largely dependent on
krill, and a desire to avoid the overexploitation and other problems that had occurred
in fisheries in many other regions.
The area of application of the Convention is the region south of a line which
approximates the position of the Antarctic Convergence, the place where colder polar
waters meet more temperate waters to the north and which forms an effective
biological barrier to most Southern Ocean species. The objective of the Convention is
the conservation of Antarctic marine living resources, where conservation is defined to
include rational use.
Map 1: CCAMLR Statistical Areas
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
The Convention was the first international regional agreement to stipulate a
precautionary and ecosystem-based management approach. This approach requires
that management consider the effects of any harvesting on dependent and associated
species, not just the target species, and that those ecological relationships are
maintained.
The Convention applies to all marine living resources in the CCAMLR Area apart from
seals and cetaceans, which are managed under the jurisdiction of the Convention for
the Conservation of Antarctic Seals and the International Convention for the
Regulation of Whaling respectively.
As illustrated in Map 1, the CCAMLR Area is divided into three internationally agreed
statistical areas:
 Area 48 (Atlantic Ocean sector);
 Area 58 (Indian Ocean sector); and
 Area 88 (Pacific Ocean sector).
These are further divided into sub-areas and divisions. Statistical Division 58.5.2,
within which the Australian Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI) Fishery lies, is
a sub-area of Area 58.
2.2 Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources (CCAMLR)
The Convention established CCAMLR. Australia is one of 25 Members of CCAMLR,
each of whom pays an annual contribution and has voting rights. Eleven other States
have ratified the Convention but are not Members of CCAMLR1.
CCAMLR relies on a number of committees to provide it with advice on which to base
its decisions which are made by consensus. These include:
 the Scientific Committee (SC), which is established under the Convention, with
three working groups: Fish Stock Assessment (WG-FSA), Ecosystem Monitoring
and Management (WG-EMM) and Statistics, Assessments and Modelling (WGSAM);
 the Standing Committee on Administration and Finance (SCAF); and
 the Standing Committee on Implementation and Compliance (SCIC).
CCAMLR meets annually in Hobart for a period of two weeks commencing in late
October. The above working groups and sub-committees meet either prior to or
concurrently with CCAMLR. At these meetings Members examine, among other
things, the previous year’s fishing activities within the CCAMLR Area, data collected,
scientific research, applications for New and Exploratory fisheries and review the
Conservation Measures in place to regulate fishing activities.
1
Members of CCAMLR, as at January 2015, are: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, China (People’s
Republic of), European Community, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Namibia, New
Zealand, Norway, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of
America and Uruguay. States that have ratified the Convention but which are not members of CCAMLR are
Bulgaria, Canada, Cook Islands, Finland, Greece, Mauritius, Netherlands, Pakistan (Islamic Republic of),
Panama (Republic of), Peru and Vanuatu.
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Meetings of CCAMLR and its sub-committees are restricted to delegates from
Member States and CCAMLR approved observers. The Australian delegation to
CCAMLR is led by the AAD and includes representatives from AFMA, the Department
of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Department of Agriculture(DoA), the Attorney
General’s Department and Customs and Border Protection, State/Territory
governments, industry and conservation interests. Australia plays a leading role at
these meetings.
Extensive consultation is undertaken by the Australian Government to develop a
national position on CCAMLR issues. These positions are developed in consultation
with stakeholders, mainly through meetings of the CCAMLR Consultative Forum
(CCF). The CCF is convened by the AAD and includes representatives from
government, and non-government organisations, including industry, and meets three
times a year. Meetings of the CCF are normally open to all interested parties to attend.
These meetings are convened by AAD and anybody wishing to attend should contact
Ms Lihini Weragoda on (03) 6232 3510 or e-mail: Lihini.weragoda@aad.gov.au
More information on CCAMLR can be found at www.ccamlr.org
2.3
What are New and Exploratory fisheries?
A new fishery as defined under CCAMLR Conservation Measure 21-01 (2010) is a
fishery on a species using a particular fishing method in a statistical sub-area for
which:
 information on the distribution, abundance, demography, potential yield and stock
identity from comprehensive research/surveys or exploratory fishing have not been
submitted to CCAMLR; or
 catch and effort data have never been submitted to CCAMLR; or
 catch and effort data from the two most recent seasons in which fishing occurred
have not been submitted to CCAMLR.
An exploratory fishery as defined under Conservation Measure 21-02 (2013) is a
fishery which:
 was previously classified as a ‘new fishery’ (under Conservation Measure 21-01);
and
 continues to be classified as such until sufficient information is available to:
-
evaluate the distribution, abundance, and demography of the target species,
leading to an estimate of the fishery’s potential yield;
-
review the fishery’s potential impacts on dependent and related species;
-
allow the Scientific Committee to formulate and provide advice to CCAMLR on
appropriate harvest catch levels, as well as effort levels and fishing gear, where
appropriate.
The following are some examples of exploratory fisheries that would require Australia
to lodge a proposal with CCAMLR:
 seeking to participate in existing exploratory fisheries in the CCAMLR region; and
 seeking to develop new fisheries for species and areas other than those currently
commercially fished.
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Copies of the CCAMLR Conservation Measures can be obtained from the CCAMLR
website www.ccamlr.org or purchased from the CCAMLR Secretariat. The
Conservation Measures applicable to historic Australian operations in New and
Exploratory fisheries are provided in Attachment 1 of this document.
2.4 Australian and CCAMLR requirements for New and Exploratory
fisheries applications
Australia’s application and assessment process for access to New and Exploratory
fisheries is described in full under Sections 3, 4 and 5 of this Guide. However, prior to
deciding whether to proceed, applicants should be confident of their abilities to meet
Australia’s requirements for participating in these fisheries.
Proposals must include a clear statement about the applicant’s commitment to and
extent of their proposed fishing activities. If their commitment is judged as insufficient
the proposal will not be submitted to CCAMLR. Similarly if a proposal is submitted to
and approved by CCAMLR and not acted upon by a fisher, a repeat of the proposal
would not normally be accepted in the following season.
Applicants should note the fees and charges associated with submitting applications
which are outlined in section 6 (schedule of fees and charges).
Australia will not submit to CCAMLR proposals to that do not offer significant tangible
benefits to Australia. To satisfy this requirement the proponent should be able to
demonstrate:
 a preference for the employment of an Australian crew;
 a preference to land fish in Australia;
 onshore employment (preferred but not essential);
 training of Australian crew (preferred but not essential);
 at least 50% ownership of the company lies in Australia; and
 that the applicants, their company/ies and or director/s links to Australia are
stronger than to any other State including other CCAMLR Members.
Applicants must also:
 nominate an Australian flagged2 boat as defined in section 4(1) of the Fisheries
Management Act 1991 (see Attachment 2), which is available, capable of fishing in
the region and meets AFMA’s observer safety standards;
 nominate an Australian boat (as distinct from an Australian flagged boat) consistent
with the Fisheries Management Act 1991;
 provide the necessary information to be included on the high seas register as
required to be maintained by AFMA under section 57A of the Fisheries
Management Act 1991
 commit to comply with Australian requirements and CCAMLR’s Conservation
Measures for New and Exploratory fisheries, which include, among other things:
2
An Australian flagged boat means a ship as defined by the Shipping Registration Act 1981. Applications will be
assessed, on a case by case basis, in relation to boats, which are not currently Australian flagged but would be
prepared to be reflagged if they were successful in gaining access to a new or exploratory fishery.
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
-
-
-
-
-
meet the requirements of CCAMLR Conservation Measure 41-01 (2014) –
General measures for exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in the
Convention Area in the 2015/16 season;
meet the requirements of the relevant CCAMLR conservation measure applying
to area proposed to be fished;
submission of detailed catch/effort and other operational data;
submission of detailed information as required under Conservation Measure
10-02 (2013) including photos of the vessel;
provision of vessel time to undertake prescribed research;
carriage of at least one international observer and in some cases two during all
trips;
enforcing a requirement for operators to minimise bycatch and their impact on
the marine environment;
meet the requirements for bottom fishing in the CCAMLR area [see attached
Conservation Measures 21-02 (2013), 22-06 (2012) and 22-08 (2009)];
placing observer(s) on board vessels (including an international observer) to
monitor operator’s compliance with fishing conditions, environmental
interactions and to collect information on the fishery;
having a comprehensive set of reporting requirements and contingency
arrangements to ensure that impacts of fishing are kept to a minimum and are
closely monitored;
undertaking research as required in order to provide for assessments of future
harvest controls and the potential environmental effects of exploratory
operations in the CCAMLR area;
requiring the use of an AFMA approved vessel monitoring system for the vessel
to be tracked by AFMA and CCAMLR at all times;
minimising the level of light emitted from the boat;
requiring limitations on waste disposal including:
-- a prohibition on the discharge of fish offal to minimise the attraction of
seabirds and marine mammals to the boat;
-- a prohibition on the discharge of poultry products and brassicas (broccoli,
cauliflower, cabbage etc) to ensure diseases and pests are not introduced
to this environment; and
-- restrictions on the carriage, use and disposal of plastics and other nonbiodegradable material.
New and Exploratory fisheries proposals have the potential to affect other issues of
national interest and Australia’s overall credibility and negotiating influence at
CCAMLR. As such, Australia will only lodge with CCAMLR, New and Exploratory
fisheries proposals that have whole of Government support. Proposals need to accord
with Australian domestic and international legal obligations and Australian policy
positions and objectives for CCAMLR and elsewhere. Proposals, which are not
consistent with Australia’s policy positions on environmental sustainability and other
responsible fishing practices, will not be supported.
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
2.5
Jurisdictional status of waters in the CCAMLR area
The CAMLR Convention is linked to the Antarctic Treaty, and both agreements take
into account the positions of Parties on sovereignty and jurisdiction in their areas of
application.
The CCAMLR Area predominantly comprises high seas areas but also includes subAntarctic islands with Exclusive Economic Zones or territorial waters subject to
national jurisdiction, namely Iles Kerguelen and Iles Crozet (France), Prince Edward
and Marion Islands (Republic of South Africa), Bouvet Island (Norway), and Heard
Island and McDonald Islands (Australia).
3
Approval process for New and Exploratory proposals
The annual cycle for submitting, assessing and approving applications for CCAMLR
New and Exploratory fisheries is reflected in the table on page 9. The process
commences in February with AFMA inviting expressions of interest from interested
parties on the sub-Antarctic mailing list. Anyone wishing to be placed on this list
should contact Jo Fisher at AFMA on e-mail: jo.fisher@afma.gov.au or by phone on
(02) 6225 5499. Expressions of interest must be received by 20 February 2015.
Depending on the level of interest shown by industry in applying for access to New
and Exploratory fisheries, AFMA and AAD would hold an information session for all
stakeholders in late February or early March. An information session would be held,
upon request, for those industry persons who have submitted an expression of interest
who had not previously fished in CCAMLR New and Exploratory fisheries under an
Australian flagged vessel.
Industry persons wishing to further their expressions of interest will need to develop
and submit a proposal to AFMA in mid-March (in a one or two stage process
depending on the level of interest). AFMA will advise industry on this issue. The
information, which must be included in any proposal, is set out under Section 4.2.
AFMA, AAD, DA and DFAT will consider proposals on a commercial-in-confidence
basis. At this stage, industry members may be called on individually to provide
additional information but do not have access to applications by other industry
members. Industry members should note that once proposals are submitted to the
CCF and, potentially later to CCAMLR, certain details of their application are made
public.
The CCF will discuss these proposals at its mid-April meeting. At this meeting
applicants are invited to present their proposals and answer relevant questions from
other participants (including government officials and representatives from
conservation groups). While attendance is not compulsory, the views of the CCF are
an important input to the final government decision about whether to support or reject
a proposal.
Full proposals are further considered by the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) on
CCAMLR to ensure consistency with government objectives and determine whether to
proceed further with a proposal. Following these meetings, successful applicants may
be required to liaise with the AAD to further refine the fishing and research
components of their proposals.
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
While most proposals are routine in their nature and are dealt with at agency level, as
they may affect matters of national interest, the ultimate decision is a matter for the
responsible Ministers.
Notifications will be submitted to the CCAMLR Secretariat by the AAD in the format
required by CCAMLR by the due date on 1 June.
Table 1 - Process for consideration and approval for new and exploratory
fisheries
Timing
Activity
February
AFMA invites Expressions of Interest in New and
Exploratory fisheries to be submitted by February 20.
late February or
early March
Subject to the level of interest, AFMA and AAD will
hold an information session on exploratory fisheries
for interested parties
AFMA and AAD consider Expressions of Interest and
determine whether a pre-proposal stage is
warranted. AFMA informs applicants whether a preproposal is needed or not.
AFMA/AAD review any pre-proposals to determine
those for which a full proposal should be sought.
AFMA informs applicants.
mid March
Industry full proposals submitted to AFMA and an
assessment fee per Sub Area/Statistical Division
paid to AFMA.
Vessel deeming fee payable for applicants seeking
to have a foreign vessel deemed to be an Australian
vessel to enable Australian flagging
mid April
CCF meets to consider full proposals from industry
(applicants are invited to present their proposal). The
CCAMLR Inter Department Committee (IDC) also
meets to discuss the government’s position on
proposals received
May
Research components of the full proposal are further
developed by AAD in conjunction with applicants
by 1 June
Full proposals lodged by the AAD with the CCAMLR
Secretariat and applicant pays $8000 (comprising
$3000 administrative fee and a $5000 bond) to the
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Timing
Activity
Secretariat for each nomination
late June
CCAMLR WG-SAM meets to consider proposals
late October
SC-CAMLR and CCAMLR WG-FSA meet and
consider proposals
late October
CCAMLR considers proposals and prescribes
Conservation Measures for approved fisheries
early November
AFMA advises applicants of CCAMLR consideration
of their proposals
at least 1 month before
scheduled fishing
Applicant submits application to AFMA for a fishing
permit for each Statistical Division
by start of fishing season on
1 December 2015
AFMA issues fishing permit(s)
The CCAMLR Working Group on Statistics, Assessments and Modelling (WG-SAM)
will first meet in late June to consider the New and Exploratory Fisheries proposals. If
WG-SAM considers the proposal need to be improved, the submitting Member(s) may
be asked to provide further information.
In October CCAMLR’s Working Group on Fish Stock Assessment (WG-FSA) and
Scientific Committee (SC-CAMLR) meet to review New and Exploratory fisheries
proposals from CCAMLR Members and to provide scientific advice to CCAMLR.
These bodies recommend to CCAMLR whether and under what scientific conditions
fishing proposals should be allowed to proceed. CCAMLR considers this advice in
taking its decision and the development of Conservation Measures to govern such
fisheries. All decisions are by consensus.
AFMA will write to applicants in early November to advise them of CCAMLR’s
consideration of their proposals.
4
Application format for New and Exploratory fisheries
4.1
Expressions of interest
In February AFMA writes to members of the fishing industry listed on the sub-Antarctic
fisheries mailing list inviting expressions of interest in New and Exploratory fisheries
and notifying of the due date for their submission. Expressions of interest should be
around one page long and contain a brief description of:
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
 the area of the proposed fishery;
 an indication of the species to be targeted;
 the proposed fishing method(s); and
 the applicant’s details.
4.2
Proposals
Industry members who have submitted an Expression of Interest and still wishing to
apply for access to New and Exploratory fisheries are required to submit their
proposals to AFMA by mid-March. The exact due date for proposals will be notified by
AFMA.
Proposals should contain the following information:
 a description of the proposed fishery, including:
-
a list of all target species;
-
fishing method(s);
-
proposed region (including any depth stratification or area limitations eg waters
deeper than 1,000 metres, waters north of 60°S);
-
minimum levels of catches of the target species that would be required to
develop a viable fishery; and
-
maximum proposed catch levels.
 a description of the proposed fishing operations, including:
-
the name of vessel/s to operate, including the current flag State 3,
-
the name of the company proponent and, if involved in a joint venture, all of the
parties involved and the percentage of their ownership;
-
a basic fishing plan detailing the minimum number of trips that are expected to
be undertaken, their timing and where within each division you intend to fish or
prospect; and
-
possible scientific sampling regimes.
 the potential impacts of the proposed fishing activity on dependent and related
species, including:
-
an indication of the extent and nature of bycatch anticipated, including
identification of likely bycatch by species and the quantities that are predicted to
be taken; and
-
details of proposed measures for minimising interactions with seabirds, marine
mammals and threatened species (eg: by setting catch limits, closed
areas/seasons, percentage/move-on rules).
 a description of the applicants commitment to the fishery and the tangible benefits
of their proposal to Australia (see Section 2.4).
3
Vessels must be Australian flagged (see Attachment 2)
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
4.3
Assistance
AFMA and AAD welcome inquiries from prospective applicants and are available to
provide guidance to applicants in the preparation of their expressions of interest, preproposals and full proposals. Contact details for these organisations are provided
under Section 7.
5
Other requirements to consider when submitting a
proposal
Applicants should read the information provided in Attachment 2 on Australian flagging
and ‘Australian boat’ status.
5.1
Flagging of vessels
CCAMLR requires that all vessels be flagged to the Member State submitting the
proposal.
CCAMLR Conservation Measure 21-01 (2010) requires any Member proposing to
participate in a new fishery to notify its intention to CCAMLR not less than three
months in advance of the next annual meeting of CCAMLR. Conservation Measure
21-02 (2013) require any Member proposing to participate in an exploratory fishery to
notify its intention to CCAMLR by 1 June. Both require that a Fishery Operations Plan
for the fishing season be prepared and submitted to CCAMLR by a specified date.
Conservation Measure 21-02 (2013) also requires compliance with paragraph 8 of
Conservation Measure 22-06 (2012) (Bottom fishing in the Convention Area). All
bottom fishing activities shall be subject to assessment by CCAMLR’s Scientific
Committee to determine if such activities, taking account of the history of bottom
fishing in the areas proposed, would contribute to having significant adverse impacts
on vulnerable marine ecosystems, and to ensure that if it is determined that these
activities would make such contributions, that they are managed to prevent such
impacts or are not authorised to proceed. All CAAMLR Conservation Measures can be
found on the CCAMLR website www.ccamlr.org.
There is provision within CCAMLR that allows for the substitution of nominated
vessels in some circumstances only.
While Australia wishes to provide the greatest flexibility possible to industry to
participate in New and Exploratory fisheries, it also needs to be satisfied of the
credibility of the applicant and vessel prior to submitting an application to CCAMLR.
CCAMLR will only consider proposals for vessels flagged to the nominating member
(Australia) or another CCAMLR Member country.
5.2
Australian boat status
Australia requires that applications nominate an Australian boat as defined under
Section 4(1) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991 and provide evidence that the
proponent would have control and be solely responsible for the fishing operations to
be undertaken by demonstrating a substantial connection to Australia, including;
 a nominated Australian national, both resident in Australia and with direct
responsibility for the operations of the proponent;
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Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
 an Australian company with Australian resident assets sufficient to meet the
maximum liability likely to arise from any single offence under the Fisheries
Management Act 1991 (as the Fisheries Management Act 1991 only applies to
Australian flagged vessels and Australian nationals, AFMA would need to be
advised as to whom the joint venture partners are);
 both a willingness to undertake research proposals, and the extent to which the
proponent is available to carry out such research; and
 a vessel flagged to Australia as a result of its demise charter status4 will also be
required to apply for a declaration from AFMA for ‘Australian boat’ status.
Guidelines on this process are available from AFMA Licensing on
phone 1300 723 621.
5.3
Declaration of a foreign boat as an Australian boat
Applicants seeking a declaration of a foreign boat as an Australian boat will need to
provide:
 a copy of charter agreement between boat owner and charterer which clearly
shows that the charterer is in control of the operations of the boat;
 import details, including customs agent contacts;
 the period for which declaration is required; and
 full shareholdings and directorship details of all companies involved in the
proposal.
The decision whether to deem a vessel to be Australian is the responsibility of the
AFMA Chief Executive Officer or the Executive Manager of the Fisheries Branch.
Guidelines on this process are available on the AFMA website. Further information can
be obtained from AFMA Licensing on phone 1300 723 621.
5.4
Company/vessel ownership and credibility
Applicants must be prepared to make publicly available their individual/company
details including details of their fishing history and reputation. There should be
transparency of the owners ie: corporations, beneficial owners and the percentage of
ownership. Any joint partners and the vessels to be used must be clearly named on
the application. The owners and the nominated vessel’s history must be provided in
full to AFMA to:
 allow an assessment of the applicant(s) and the vessel’s reputation;
 determine if the vessel has fished in the CCAMLR Area before;
 whether the vessel has been involved in any Illegal, Unregulated and
Unreported (IUU) fishing, and
 determine whether the applicant(s) hold(s) any other CCAMLR licences.
AFMA can request further information that it reasonably requires for a proper
consideration of an application for a fishing permit.
4
Demise Charter means: the demise, letting, hire, or delivery of the ship to the Charterer under a charter party, by
the virtue of which the charter has whole possession and control of the ship (including the right to appoint the
master and crew of the ship).
Page 14 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
As an original signatory of CCAMLR and an Antarctic claimant state, it is in Australia’s
interests to ensure that each proposal submitted to CCAMLR by the Australian
government is credible and does not jeopardise Australia’s position in CCAMLR.
5.5
Vessel requirements
Australia must be satisfied that it can monitor and control the vessel’s activities to
ensure compliance with CCAMLR and Australian requirements. These requirements
include:
 compliances with CCAMLR Conservation measure 10-02 (2013) (Licensing and
inspection obligations of Contracting Parties with regard to their flag vessels
operating in the Convention Area);
 the carriage of an international scientific observer from another CCAMLR Member
and an Australian scientific observer (the costs of both observers are borne by the
proponent);
 compliance with catch reporting requirements;
 carriage of Integrated Computer Vessel Monitoring System (ICVMS) reporting to
Australia, and to the CCAMLR Secretariat; and
 a willingness to be inspected at sea by CCAMLR authorised inspectors in
accordance with the CCAMLR System of Inspection.
Vessels must also undergo an AFMA observer safety assessment prior to undertaking
fishing to ensure they are safe to carry observers. Vessels that do not meet the
requirements of the observer safety assessment will not be provided with observers
and will not be allowed to fish. A copy of AFMA’s ‘Vessel Suitability Assessment
Guidelines for Antarctic Waters’ is at Attachment 3.
5.6
Report following new or exploratory fishing activity
Following new or exploratory fishing the Member State whose vessel operated in a
CCAMLR Statistical Division is required to submit a report to the CCAMLR Secretariat
for consideration by WG-FSA. The report is prepared by the AAD and provides limited
catch, effort and other fishing information on each small-scale research unit fished.
CCAMLR confidentiality provisions apply to the data being considered by WG-FSA.
Page 15 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
6
Schedule of fees and charges
Applicants should note that there are a number of fees and charges associated with
participating in New and Exploratory fisheries.
 applying to operate in New and Exploratory fisheries (see sections 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
and 6.4);
 having the nomination accepted by CCAMLR (see section 6.4); and
 actually operating in New and Exploratory fisheries (see section 6.5).
The costs are summarised in the following table.
Item
Section
Fee payable
Agency
Comment
Application
6.1
To be advised per
Sub-Area/ Statistical
Division (see AFMA
fee for service
policy
AFMA
Invoiced by AFMA
http://www.afma.gov.au/se
rvices-for-industry/fee-forservice-arrangements/
Company/
vessel
ownership
check
6.2
To be advised (see
AFMA fee for
service policy)
AFMA
For new vessels/operators
wishing to participate in
New and Exploratory
fisheries for the first time
Vessel deeming
6.3
$1790 (plus GST)
for initial application
AFMA
To assess an application
for a foreign vessel to be
deemed to be an
Australian vessel to
enable Australian flagging.
Australian
flagging
6.4
Shipping
registration fees
apply
AMSA
AMSA website provides
details of fees
(www.amsa.gov.au)
CCAMLR
6.5
$8000 for each
nomination of which
$5000 is refundable
if fishing takes place
CCAMLR
Payable when the
nomination has been
submitted to CCAMLR
Management
6.6
Fee for service
AFMA
Invoiced by AFMA at the
end of a fishing trip and
includes:
Fishing permit application
fee
Costs of 2 observers (inc.
daily salary & allowances,
airfares)
Monitoring product
unloads
Data management
Page 16 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
6.1
Proposal application fee
Applicants who submit a proposal to AFMA to operate in CCAMLR New and
Exploratory fisheries are required to pay a non-refundable application fee per SubArea/Statistical Division nominated. This fee is collected to cover the costs of
processing applications including submitting them to CCAMLR, if supported by
Australia.
This is in accordance with the Fisheries Management Paper No 5, which states that:
‘The cost of assessing applications, including development and implementation
of the exploratory management report, will be fully cost recovered from
applicants in accordance with government cost recovery policy and AFMA’s
objectives.’
The fee for assessing applications is non-refundable and payment does not provide
any guarantee that a Fishing Permit will be granted at the conclusion of the
assessment process.
The fee will be determined on a case by case basis and AFMA will provide a quote for
each such request based on the time involved.
6.2
Company/vessel ownership and credibility
An additional one-off vessel/operator assessment fee will be charged to new
vessels/operators wishing to enter New or Exploratory fisheries for the first time. This
fee covers the costs associated with checking the credentials of operators and the
history of vessels. The fee will be determined on a case by case basis and AFMA will
provide a quote for each such request based on the time involved.
6.3
Vessel deeming fee
Where AFMA needs to assess an application for a foreign vessel to be deemed to be
an Australian vessel to enable Australian flagging, a $1790 (plus GST) application fee
will be charged to recover costs. Application fees are payable at the time the
application is submitted for assessment.
6.4
Shipping Registration fees
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has responsibility for the Australian
Shipping Register and Australian flagging issues. Details of the fees and charges can
be obtained from the AMSA website (www.amsa.gov.au).
6.5
CCAMLR fee
CCAMLR has adopted a cost recovery scheme for exploratory fisheries whereby an
annual fee must be paid for each vessel fishing in a single subarea/division for a
single species group. The process associated with this cost recovery scheme was
clarified at CCAMLR XXIII (2004) as follows:
i.
a notification is required for each New and Exploratory fishery i.e. a single
submission by an individual Member in respect of a single year, a single
species group and one subarea/division;
Page 17 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
ii.
each notification should identify the companies and vessels intending to pursue
the fishery;
iii.
each notification should be accompanied, or followed within one month, by a
payment of A$8000 in respect of each vessel intending to pursue the fishery,
consisting of:
 a fee of A$3000 representing the recovery of administrative costs;
 a sum of A$5000, to be refunded when the vessel had commenced fishing
in the fishery for the season in accordance with conservation measures
determined by the Commission. In the event of the Commission deciding
that a notified fishery should not proceed in a particular year, this sum shall
be refunded.
iv.
where payment is made by a fishing company rather than a Member, the
Member should identify in the notification:
 the company making the payment
 the vessels in respect of which the payment is made.
If required by the Member, the Secretariat will issue an invoice to the fishing company
in order to facilitate the payment being made.
6.6
Management fee
Operators who are approved by CCAMLR to participate in a New or Exploratory
Fishery and who are granted with a Fishing Permit by AFMA under the Fisheries
Management Act 1991 will be required to meet all the costs associated with AFMA
administering the fishery. This will be on a fee for service basis and AFMA will invoice
the Company at the end of each fishing trip. The invoice will include the costs of
management, licensing, compliance and monitoring, data management and
observers.
7
Key contacts
AFMA
Ms Jo Fisher
Acting Manager - Antarctic Fisheries Section
PO Box 7051
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Phone: (02) 6225 5499
Fax:
(02) 6225 5439
E-mail: jo.fisher@afma.gov.au
AFMA Licensing
PO Box 7051
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Phone: 1300 723 621
E-mail: licensing@afma.gov.au
Page 18 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD)
Ms Lihini Weragoda
Senior Policy Advisor
Channel Highway
KINGSTON TAS 7050
Phone: (03) 6232 3510
Fax:
(03) 6232 3500
E-mail: lihini.weragoda@aad.gov.au
Dr Dirk Welsford
Senior Fisheries Scientist
Channel Highway
KINGSTON TAS 7050
Phone: (03) 6232 3608
Fax:
(03) 6232 3351
E-mail: dirk.welsford@aad.gov.au
Warning
Applicants should note that there are no guarantees that a proposal will:
 be submitted by Australia to CCAMLR at all or in the form proposed by the
applicants, indeed, in the past, many have been rejected for varying reasons;
 result in a fishery being established or that it would be commercially viable;
 mean that there will be access in the short term or the long term; and
 mean that there will be sole access granted. Access may also be granted to other
companies in Australia and/or to other CCAMLR Members.
At any stage, an application can be rejected and no fishing would be permitted. Other
aspects to consider include:
 depending on the nature of the proposal the approval of the Minister for
Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities may need to be
sought;
 CCAMLR may set a Conservation Measure which differs from the nomination; and
 the application may need to be withdrawn during the annual CCAMLR meeting by
Australia depending on matters raised during the course of that meeting.
Page 19 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
8
Current fisheries status
Area
Species
Fishery
Status
Nations
authorised
to fish
Relevant
CCAMLR
Cons.
Measure
Comment
48
Krill
Directed
fishery
Not available
51-01
(2010)
Total combined catch in Subareas
48.1, 48.2, 48.3 and 48.4 shall be
limited to 5.61 million tonnes, but
shall be further limited to 620,000
tonnes until smaller management
units are implemented. The trigger
limit of 620,000 tonnes is further
divided among 4 sub-areas with no
more than the following
percentages taken from a single
area: 48.1 – 25%, 48.2 – 45%, 48.3
– 45% and 48.4 – 15%.
48.1
Finfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
48.2
Finfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
48.3
Various
Limits on
bycatch
Not available
33-01
(1995)
48.3
Various
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
48.3
Mackerel
icefish
Directed
fishery
Not available
42-01
(2014)
48.3
Patagonian
toothfish &
Macrourus
spp
Directed
fishery
Not available
41-02
(2014)
Prohibition of directed fishing for
finfish in 48.1. This measure will
stay in place until a stock biomass
survey is undertaken.
Prohibition of directed fishing for
finfish in 48.2. This measure will
stay in place until a stock biomass
survey is undertaken
The following bycatch limits apply:
 1470 tonnes - Gobionotothen
gibberifrons
 2200 tonnes – Chaenocephalus
aceratus
 300 tonnes each Pseudochaenichthys
georgianus, Notothenia rossi
(marbled rockcod) and
Lepidonotothen squamifrons.
Prohibition of directed fishery on
Gobionotothen gibberifrons,
Chaenocephalus aceratus,
Pseudochaenichthys georgianus,
Lepidonotothen squamifrons, and
Patagonotothen guntheri.
The catch of mackerel icefish
(Champoscephalus gunnari) is
limited to 4635 tonnes. There is a
move on provision for when a
percentage of small fish is taken
and for when bycatch is taken in
large amounts. Mitigation measures
for seabird bycatch apply.
Limits the catch of the fishery for
Patagonian toothfish (Dissoctichus
eleginoides) to 2400 tonnes (0
tonnes in management area A, 720
Page 20 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Area
Species
Fishery
Status
Nations
authorised
to fish
Relevant
CCAMLR
Cons.
Measure
48.3
Electrona
carlsbergi
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
48.4
Toothfish
spp
Limited
Directed
fishing/
research
Not available
41-03
(2014)
48.5
Toothfish
spp
Prohibition
N/A
32-09
(2014)
48.6
Toothfish
spp
Exploratory
Longline
Japan,
Republic of
Korea and
South Africa
41-04
(2014)
58.4.1
Toothfish
spp
Exploratory
longline
Japan,
Republic of
Korea and
Spain
41-11
(2014)
58.4.1
Krill
Directed
fishing
Not available
51-02
(2008)
58.4.2
Toothfish
Exploratory
longline
Japan,
Republic of
Korea and
Spain
41-05
(2014)
Comment
tonnes in management area B and
1680 tonnes in management area
C) in each of the 2013/14 and
2014/15 seasons. The directed
fishery must be by longlines and
pots only. There is also bycatch
move on provisions, and mitigation
measures for seabirds
Prohibition from 1 December 2003
on taking of Electona carlsbergi
(lanternfish) other than for scientific
research purposes in accordance
with Conservation Measure 24-01.
Will remain in place until a survey
has been undertaken and report
prepared and analysed by WGFSA.
The total catch of Dissostichus
eleginoides is limited to 42 tonnes
(longline only). The taking of
Dissostichus mawsoni is limited to
28 tonnes. Bycatch limits apply.
Tagging undertaken at a rate of 5
fish per tonne caught.
Prohibition on directed fishing for
Dissostichus spp. from 1 December
2014 to 30 November 2015.
Total catch of Dissostichus spp is
limited to 538 tonnes with catch
limits applying in 5 identified
research blocks. Bycatch limits
apply. If an operator takes 3
seabirds they must revert to night
setting. Tagging undertaken at a
rate of 5 fish per tonne caught.
Total catch of Dissostichus spp of
724 tonnes with catch limits
applying in 8 identified small scale
research units. Tagging undertaken
at a rate of 5 fish per tonne caught.
Total catch is limited to 440 000
tonnes, with a further subdivision as
follows: 277 000 tonnes west of 115
degrees East and 163 000 tonnes
East of 115 degrees East.
Dissostichus spp. – 35 tonnes total
catch limit with limits for 2 identified
small scale research units. There
are also mitigation measures for
seabirds. Tagging undertaken at a
rate of 5 fish per tonne caught.
Page 21 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Area
Species
Fishery
Status
Nations
authorised
to fish
Relevant
CCAMLR
Cons.
Measure
Comment
58.4.2
Krill
Directed
fishing
Not available
51-03
(2008)
58.4.3a
Elan
Bank
Toothfish
spp.
Exploratory
longline
France and
Japan
41-06
(2014)
58.4.3b
BANZA
RE
Bank
Toothfish
spp.
Exploratory
longline
N/A
41-07
(2014)
58.4.4
(Ob &
Lena
Banks)
Toothfish
spp.
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
58.5.1
Patagonian
toothfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
58.5.2
Patagonian
toothfish
Directed
trawl, pot &
longline
Australia only
41-08
(2014)
Total catch is limited to 2.645 million
tonnes, with a further subdivision as
follows: 1.448 million tonnes west of
55 degrees East, and 1.080 million
tonnes east of 55 degrees East. A
further limit of 260 000 tonnes west
of 55 degrees East and 192 000
tonnes east of 55 degrees East
applies until smaller management
units have been allocated.
Limits the catch of Dissostichus spp
on Elan Bank outside areas of
national jurisdiction to 32 tonnes,
between 1 May and 31 August
2013. Can fish out of season if able
to demonstrate capacity to meet
requirements of CM 24-02. Tagging
undertaken at a rate of 5 fish per
tonne caught. Bycatch limits apply.
Limits the catch of Dissostichus
spp. on BANZARE Bank outside
national jurisdiction to 0 tonnes.
Fishery conducted in accordance
with a research and tagging
program. Tagging undertaken at a
rate of 5 fish per tonne caught.
Seabird bycatch limits apply.
Prohibition on directed fishing for
toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) outside
areas of national jurisdiction.
Fishing is prohibited until a survey
of stock biomass is carried out and
analysed by WG FSA.
Prohibition on directed fishing for
toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) outside
areas of national jurisdiction.
Fishing is prohibited until a survey
of stock biomass is carried out and
analysed by WG FSA.
A catch limit of 4,410 tonnes applies
in 2014/15 seasons. Fishing will
cease if bycatch limits are reached.
Seabird mitigation measures apply
to longlining. Season extensions
15–30 April and 1 September – 14
November, if full compliance with
CM 25-02. Day setting permitted if
able to comply with CM 24-02 (3
seabird limit applies to this
measure)
Page 22 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Area
Species
Fishery
Status
Nations
authorised
to fish
Relevant
CCAMLR
Cons.
Measure
Comment
58.5.2
Mackerel
icefish
Directed
trawl
Australia only
42-02
(2014)
Limits the take of mackerel icefish
(Champsocephalus gunnari) to 309
tonnes. Move on provisions for
catch of smaller fish. Seabird
mitigation measures.
58.5.2
Various
Bycatch
limits
Australia only
33-02
(2014)
58.5.2
Patagonian
toothfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
58.6
Patagonian
toothfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
58.7
Patagonian
toothfish
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
88.1
Toothfish
spp.
Exploratory
longline
Australia,
Japan,
Korea, New
Zealand,
Norway,
Russia,
Spain,
Ukraine and
41-09
(2014)
No directed fishing other than for
Patagonian toothfish and mackerel
icefish. Bycatch limit for unicorn
icefish (Channichthys
rhinocersatus) 150 tonnes, grey
rockcod (Lepidontothen
squamifrons) 80 tonnes, the
bycatch of Macrourus spp. shall not
exceed 360 tonnes, bycatch for
skates & rays shall not exceed 120
tonnes. A limit of 50 tonnes applies
for each other species.
Taking of Dissostichus eleginoides,
other than for scientific purposes in
accordance with CM 24-01, is
prohibited in 58.5.2 east of 7920’E
and outside the EEZ to the west of
7920’E. Fishing is prohibited until a
survey of stock biomass is carried
out and analysed by WG FSA.
Prohibited of directed fishing on
Dissostichus eleginoides except for
waters adjacent to the Prince
Edward Islands and waters adjacent
to the Crozet Islands. The
prohibition will be in effect until a
survey has been conducted on the
stock biomass. Scientific research is
exempt from the prohibition.
Prohibited of directed fishing on
Dissostichus eleginoides except for
waters adjacent to the Prince
Edward Islands. The prohibition will
be in effect until a survey has been
conducted on the stock biomass.
Scientific research is exempt from
the prohibition.
A precautionary catch limit for
Dissostichus spp. of 3044 tonnes
applies. Catch limits apply for the
defined small scale research units –
B, C and G – 371 tonnes, H, I and K
– 2099 tonnes, J and L – 306
tonnes. A research catch limit of 200
tonnes is set aside for the prePage 23 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Area
Species
Fishery
Status
Nations
authorised
to fish
Relevant
CCAMLR
Cons.
Measure
UK
88.2
Toothfish
spp.
Exploratory
longline
Australia,
Korea, New
Zealand,
Norway,
Russia,
Spain,
Ukraine and
UK
41-10
(2014)
88.3
Toothfish
spp.
Prohibition
N/A
32-02
(2012)
Comment
recruit survey to be undertaken by
New Zealand. Bycatch limits apply
with 152 tonnes for skates and rays,
and 430 tonnes for macrourids.
Seabird bycatch measures apply.
Tagging undertaken at a rate of 1
fish per tonne caught. Season is
from 1 December 2014 to 31 August
2015.
The total allowable catch of the
fishery is limited to 619 tonnes of
Dissostichus spp. Catch limits apply
for the defined small scale research
units – C, D, E, F and G – 419
tonnes, H – 200 tonnes. Bycatch
limits apply with 50 tonnes for
skates and rays, and 99 tonnes for
macrourids. Seabird bycatch
measures apply. Season is from 1
December 2014 to 31 August 2015.
Prohibition on directed fishing for
toothfish (Dissostichus spp.) in area
88.3. Fishing is prohibited until a
survey of stock biomass is carried
out and analysed by WG FSA.
Page 24 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Attachment 1 - Selected CCAMLR Conservation Measures
The following are a selection of CCAMLR Conservation Measures which are in place for the
2013/14 season. All Conservation Measures are reviewed and updated annually by CCAMLR.
The bracketed date indicates the year when the Conservation Measure was last changed.
Applicants can view the full set of Conservation Measures on the CCAMLR website at
www.ccamlr.org:
The selected Conservation Measures are:
 10-02 (2013)
Licensing and inspection obligations of Contracting Parties with regard to
their flag vessels operating in the Convention Area;
 21-01 (2010)
Notification that Members are considering initiating a new fishery;
 21-02 (2013)
Exploratory fisheries;
 22-06 (2012)
Bottom fishing in the Convention Area;
 22-07 (2013)
Interim measure for bottom fishing activities subject to Conservation
Measure 22-06 encountering potential vulnerable marine ecosystems in the
Convention Area;
 22-08 (2009)
Prohibition on fishing for Dissostichus spp. in depths shallower than 550 m
in exploratory fisheries;
 22-09 (2012)
Protection of registered vulnerable marine ecosystems in subareas,
divisions, small-scale research units, or management areas open to bottom
fishing;
 33-03 (2014)
Limitation of by-catch in new and exploratory fisheries in the 2014/15
season;
 41-01 (2014)
General measures for exploratory fisheries for Dissostichus spp. in the
Convention Area in the 2014/15 season;
 41-05 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Statistical Division
58.4.2 in the 2014/15 season;
 41-06 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. on Elan Bank
(Statistical Division 58.4.3a) outside areas of national jurisdiction in the
2014/15 season;
 41-07 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. on BANZARE Bank
(Statistical Division 58.4.3b) outside areas of national jurisdiction in the
2014/15 season;
 41-09 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Statistical Subarea
88.1 in the 2014/15 season;
 41-10 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Statistical Subarea
88.2 in the 2014/15 season; and
 41-11 (2014)
Limits on the exploratory fishery for Dissostichus spp. in Statistical Division
58.4.1 in the 2014/15 season.
Page 25 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015
Attachment 2 – Declaring a foreign boat to be an “Australian boat”
This is a guide to applying to have AFMA declare a boat to be an Australian boat. The subject of
these guidelines is set out in subsections 4(1) and 4(2) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
These guidelines are subject to change without notice and you should contact AFMA and/or
read the relevant legislation for further information. You should seek your own legal advice if
you are uncertain about your legal situation in regard to boat declarations.
Why do you need to have an Australian boat nominated on your fishing
permit or statutory fishing right?
Only an Australian boat is authorised to fish under a fishing permit or statutory fishing right
granted by AFMA. A foreign boat is not permitted to enter an Australian port unless it is
authorised by a port permit granted by AFMA. A person must not land fish at an Australian port
from a foreign boat unless the Minister responsible for fishing has expressly authorised that
person to do so.
What happens if a boat is not an “Australian boat”?
If a boat is not an Australian boat, then it is regarded as a foreign boat. If a boat does not satisfy
the legal definition of an Australian boat, it is not allowed to be used to fish under a fishing
permit or statutory fishing right granted by AFMA, unless allowed under the relevant
management plan.
What is the legal definition of an ‘Australian boat’?
A boat is defined as an “Australian boat” if it satisfies any one of the following three conditions
(as set out under subsection 4(1) of the Fisheries Management Act 1991):
1. The boat is operated from Australia and is wholly owned by an Australian resident or
Australian company and was built in Australia;
OR
2. The boat is listed on the Australian Shipping Register, except if it is owned by a foreign
resident and under a demise charter1 arrangement;
OR
3. The boat has been declared by AFMA to be an Australian boat under subsection 4(2) of
the Fisheries Management Act 1991.
1 Demise charter means "the demise, letting, hire or delivery of the ship to the charterer under a charter party, by virtue of which
the charterer has whole possession and control of the ship (including the right to appoint the master and crew of the ship)."
(Shipping Registration Act 1981)
If a boat does not satisfy any of these three conditions, it is regarded as a foreign boat under the
Fisheries Management Act 1991.
Can my boat be listed on the Australian Shipping Register?
The Australian Shipping Register is administered by the Shipping Registration Office under the
Shipping Registration Act 1981. A boat may be listed on the Australian Shipping Register (or
“Australian flagged”) if:
 more than half the shares in it are owned by Australian nationals; or
Page 26 of 37
Guide to CCAMLR New and Exploratory Fisheries January 2015


it is less than 12 metres in length overall and wholly owned or operated by Australian
residents or by Australian nationals and residents together; or
it is on demise (bare boat) charter to an Australian based operator.
A foreign-owned boat that is chartered under non-demise arrangements is not permitted to be
registered.
Applications to list a boat on the Australian Shipping Register must be submitted to the
Australian Shipping Registration Office in the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. For further
details on the application process, please contact the Australian Shipping Registration Office.
My boat is Australian flagged. Does this mean it is an Australian boat?
Not necessarily.
Even if the boat is flagged to Australia, it is still regarded under the Fisheries Management Act
1991 as a foreign boat if it is owned by a foreign resident and operated by an Australian under a
demise charter.
What can I do if my boat is a foreign boat, and I would like AFMA to declare
it to be an “Australian boat”?
AFMA can declare a foreign boat to be an Australian boat on application. If the application is
approved by AFMA the boat will be regarded as an Australian boat only for the purposes of the
Fisheries Management Act 1991. AFMA will consider applications in relation to foreign boats
that are foreign-flagged, but additional guidelines apply (see section on “Declaring foreignflagged boats as Australian boats” below).
Applicants are invited to write to AFMA with full details of the boat, including ownership, skipper
and crew details. AFMA may require details of any past ownership of the boat.
Applications should provide AFMA a full fishing plan, including proposed timeframes, locations,
landing details, target species, quota holdings (where applicable), destination of product and
licensing details. If the boat is operated under a demise charter arrangement, AFMA may need
to view a copy of the contractual arrangements between the boat owner and charterer.
Applicants should provide full details of persons and companies involved in the proposal,
including shareholdings and directorships.
Applications should also outline the benefits to Australia of the proposal.
Applications should also enclose an outline of the proposal in a public format. AFMA may
forward this public outline to key stakeholders for consideration. The proposal outline need not
declare confidential financial or contractual information about the proposal, nor identify the
applicant or boat. AFMA will respect the confidentiality of sensitive information provided.
How will AFMA assess an application?
AFMA’s legislation requires applicants to satisfy two criteria. Briefly the boat must have been
lawfully imported into Australia for a limited period of time and AFMA must be satisfied that
there is sufficient Australian control of the operations of the boat during that period.
In relation to the lawful importation criteria, AFMA requires supporting documentation showing
importation clearance from the Australian Customs Service. An “Authority to Deal” issued by the
Australian Customs Service is usually sufficient evidence.
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Contractual documentation between an owner and a charterer will be examined to satisfy AFMA
that the applicant has sufficient control over the operations of the boat.
In assessing applications, AFMA places a high degree of importance on whether the proposal is
in Australia’s interest. This includes consideration of the involvement of Australian-based
companies and personnel in the catching, processing, marketing and consuming of the product.
Consideration is given to whether the product is to be landed in Australia and the extent of value
gained by Australian involvement through such matters as expanding Australian knowledge and
expertise, and domestic and export net revenues. Approval will only be given where the vessels
will operate within the management rules of the particular fishery for which it would be used.
AFMA also considers ecological sustainability and economic efficiency issues when assessing
an application. Consideration is also given to whether there is any conflict with government
legislation and policies, as well as Australia’s international obligations and interests.
The extent to which the proposal would contribute to the overall economic efficiency of
harvesting the available resource is an important consideration. This would include the
provision of specialised assets and services not readily available within Australia.
AFMA’s assessment of an application will consider any advice received from other government
agencies and key stakeholders.
AFMA may revoke a declaration if there is a change in the circumstances under which the
application was approved. Any changes to circumstances should be submitted to AFMA in
advance for approval.
Declaring foreign-flagged boats as Australian boats
Applications to declare foreign-flagged boats to be “Australian boats” will be assessed against
the general criteria above, as well as additional guidelines specifically for foreign-flagged boats.
In general, AFMA prefers boats operating in Australian fisheries to be flagged to Australia to
ensure Australia has flag state responsibility for the boats that AFMA authorises to fish in
Australian waters. However, the legislation does not limit AFMA to only declaring Australianflagged boats. AFMA has been prepared to consider applications for foreign flagged boats to
be declared “Australian boats” for limited periods of time in circumstances where alternative
arrangements are unavailable or not feasible. AFMA regards a “limited period of time” as being
a specific period of generally less than twelve months duration. Longer term or ongoing
arrangements should use Australian-flagged boats, unless there are special circumstances
where it can be clearly identified as being in Australia’s interest.
Applications to declare a foreign-flagged boat to be an “Australian boat” must be consistent with
Australia’s obligations under international agreements and the Commonwealth Government’s
Guidelines for applications for the use of Foreign Fishing Vessels in the Australian Fishing
Zone. These Guidelines are currently under review by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries – Australia but a copy of the current guidelines is available on request from AFMA
Licensing & Quota Management section, telephone (02) 6272 5284.
Applicants should be aware that AFMA will make inquiries to international authorities about the
compliance history of the boat and master, ownership and beneficial interests. AFMA is unlikely
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to approve applications involving boats that have a history of Illegal, Unreported and
Unregulated fishing activities.
A declaration by AFMA will not affect the boat’s flag status and a foreign-flagged boat remains
foreign-flagged, notwithstanding an AFMA declaration, for the purposes of international law and
flag state responsibilities. If the boat is flagged to a foreign state, a declaration by AFMA under
the Fisheries Management Act 1991 does not mean the boat is re-flagged to Australia.
Can a foreign-flagged Australian boat fish outside the AFZ?
If the boat is foreign-flagged and AFMA has declared it to be an Australian boat, the boat will
only be authorised to fish in the Australian Fishing Zone. AFMA will not declare a foreign
flagged boat to be an Australian boat if it is to operate on the high seas. All fishing on the high
seas by a foreign-flagged boat would have to be undertaken under an authority of the flag state.
How long will AFMA take to assess an application?
Applicants should provide adequate details to address the issues raised above. Applications will
be considered on their merits. AFMA may undertake an extensive consultation process in
assessing applications. In particular, AFMA will consult with Management Advisory Committees
for the relevant fishery or fisheries – this can add to the time required for assessment of an
application.
Applicants are advised that it may take four to six weeks to assess applications and this
timeframe should be taken into account when developing a proposal. In many cases, AFMA will
contact the applicant during this time to request further information about the proposal.
AFMA must also arrange for a declaration to be published in the Commonwealth Government
Gazette.
How much does an application cost?
AFMA will recover its costs associated with assessing applications to declare boats to be
“Australian boats”. In most cases, the costs will be approximately $2000. This fee is nonrefundable.
Where can I get more information?
Further information on applications is available from:
Manager, Licensing and Data Services
Australian Fisheries Management Authority
PO Box 7051
CANBERRA BC ACT 2610
Phone (02) 6272 5284
Fax (02) 6272 5426
Email: licensing@afma.gov.au
Contact details for the Australian Shipping Registration Office:
GPO Box 2181
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Telephone (02) 6279 5921
Fax (02) 6279 5922
www.amsa.gov.au/sro/
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Attachment 3 - AFMA vessel suitability assessment guidelines for
Antarctic waters
Purpose
This assessment is intended to assist the AFMA in determining the suitability of vessels to
safely operate for extended periods in the sub Antarctic region. This area is some 2,120 nautical
miles south west of Cape Leeuwin and in the main, operations will be conducted in the area
between 500 to 600 South latitude.
AFMA is required in accordance with its duty of care responsibilities under the Occupational
Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991, to ensure that all reasonably
practicable steps are taken to ensure the safety of their personnel who will be embarked on
these vessels as Fisheries Observers. In fulfilling this obligation, AFMA requires than any
vessel, which may apply to be licensed to fish in the sub-Antarctic region, undertake a Vessel
Suitability Assessment before such a licence is issued.
Guidelines for the inspection of documentation and equipment as part of this assessment are
contained in the following pages. It should be noted that the guidelines, although
comprehensive, are not exhaustive, and the person(s) conducting the assessment may add
additional items as considered necessary.
In general, the assessment should be able to ascertain that the vessel is fit for purpose in
respect to:
- safety
- construction
- condition
- crewing
- carriage of additional equipment as required by the licence
Overall, it is considered that these guidelines will allow an objective assessment to be made. It
is acknowledged however, that some areas of this assessment will require subjective
judgements. In view of the safety issues involved, such judgements are considered reasonable
under duty of care provisions. It is therefore important that any such judgement be made in a
professional manner, ensuring that all available documentation is consulted in the deliberation
process. In cases of doubt, it would be reasonable to have the vessel operator make a ‘safety
case’ in the justification of any unclear or disputed position.
Assessment Guidelines
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Vessel Details
2. Certification
3. Lifesaving, Safety and Fire equipment
4. Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Fuel Oil
5. General Condition of Hull and Decks (Including Fishing Gear)
6. Stability
7. Health and Safety
8. Suitability for Operation in High Sea States
9. Communications
10. Crewing
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1. Vessel Details
Name: …………………………………………………………………………………
Flag/Port of Registry: ………………………………………………………………..
Fishing Identifying Mark: .........................………………………..............…........
Gross Registered Tonnage: ................................…………………….................
Length Overall / L Registered: ..............................................…….……….........
Year of Build: ………………………………………………………………..……….
Nominated Skipper: ...................................................…........………………..…
Grade of Certificate, Issuing Authority and Expiry date of Skipper’s Certificate
of Competency: ……………………………………………………….………….….
Owner: ..............................…………………………………........................…......
Description of vessel: …………………………………………………………….…
Number and Composition of Crew: ...................................………….................
Surveyed to which Flag State Class: …………………………….……..…………
Survey Classification and Name of Society ............................................……....
Date of Last Periodic Survey: ...................…………………...............................
Date, Place & Purpose of Last Docking: ………………………………………….
List any Major Defects: …………………………………………………………..….
Comments: ……………………………………………………………………..…….
2. Certification
Vessel to be certified to:
a. ABS Class American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) @A1 or equivalent, from one of the
six AMSA recognised Classification Societies as contained in Marine Orders Part 31.
The six AMSA recognised Classification Societies are:
 American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
 Bureau Veritas (BV)
 Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
 Germanischer Lloyd
 Lloyds Register of Shipping (LR)
 Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (NKK)
b. Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code 3A
3. Life Saving, Safety and Fire Fighting Equipment
a. Provision of the following is to comply with Marine Orders Part 25:
 Life Boat (if fitted)
 Rescue craft (if fitted)
 Liferafts
 Buoyant appliances
 Portable and fixed survival craft radio equipment
 Distress signals
 Lifebuoys
 Lifejackets
 Line throwing appliances
 Immersion suits
 Thermal protective suits
 General and emergency alarm systems
 Emergency communication systems
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b. Emergency electrical systems to comply with Marine Orders Part 20.
c. Muster List to comply with Marine Orders Parts 25 & 29.
d. Fire fighting equipment to comply with USL Code Section 11 for 3A vessels of
relevant tonnage and/or length.
e. Medical outfit to be in accordance with Scale 1A as contained in
Marine Orders Part 10.
f. Navigation, Bridge and Miscellaneous Equipment
i.
Navigation Equipment
Check the vessel’s navigation equipment to ensure that it is considered
satisfactory for the task, in good order and there are sufficient spares or
redundancies available. In making this assessment, cognisance should be taken
of the fact that the vessel may operate in extended periods of poor visibility and
the possibility of the icing up of external antennae exists. Items to be considered
include:
 Compass(es)
 Radar(s)
 Electronic Chart System
 GPS
 Depth Sounder(s)
 Autopilot
 Charts and nautical publications suitable for the area of operations of the vessel
ii.
Bridge and Miscellaneous Equipment.
Guidance to be obtained from USL Code Section 13. Items include:
 Official Log Book
 Chronometer or Deck Watch
 Barometer or Barograph
 Mechanical depth sounding device
 Daylight signalling lamp
 1 set of international code flags
 1 copy of “International Code for Signals”
g. Gangway or safe means of access approved by the Authority.
h. Windlass, anchors and cables - sufficient in number, mass, length and strength,
approved by the Authority or a Classification Society on its behalf.
i.
Hawsers and warps of sufficient number, length and strength having regard to the use
and service of the vessel.
4. Main and Auxiliary Machinery and Fuel Oil
The following items should be inspected to ensure that they are in good order and condition
and are considered adequate and reliable for the proposed task.
a. Main Engine(s)
 Main Engine Types
 Number of ME
 Hours since last major inspection, and when next due
 Check log for reliable running
 Check spare parts both statutory requirements and extras carried
 Temperature control equipment, i.e. Fresh Water or Sea Water recirculation
 Note any major work due and when
b. Generators/alternators
 Number
 Types
 Capacities
 Redundancy
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c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
 Reliability
 Ability for plants to carry load
 When protective devices last tested
Electrical
 Main Switchboard, Protection of essential services
 Downline boards and distribution system
 Tested last, insulation (megger test)
 Batteries where situated, capacity
 Emergency batteries
 Condition of Emergency system, i.e., generator or batteries test of applicable
 Deck electrical systems, conditions of motors lighting systems, e.g. steering
motors and circuits
Hydraulic, Machinery Space
 Oil capacity and spare oil capacity
 Condition of external piping and unit motors and controls gear
 Spares, lines motors, pumps, control equipment, filter
Gear box (if fitted)
 Hours
 Reliability
 Method of get home if CPP
 Lube oil and spare oil
 Cooler
 Spare’s required and carried
Fresh water
 Manufacture of water i.e. freshwater generator
 Type
 Output
 Condition of equipment
 Tank and capacity
 Method of sounding
Lubricating Oil
 Capacity and reserve
 Types of oils
 Purifiers fitted and how utilised
 Method of storage of used oil
Fuel Oil
 Capacity
 Range
 Types of FO
 Purifier
 Filtered
 Could vessel run at full sea speed to safe port at all times and maintain suitable
reserve
 Check bunkering and overflow arrangements
 Methods of sounding (Accuracy)
 Any modifications to original FO system or tanks
 If viscous oil used, method of heating and condition of plant
 Methods and operations of transferring oil
Boiler(s) (if fitted)
 When last inspected
 Safety valve set
 Stops and cocks
 Hot well/condenser arrangements
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j.
k.
l.
m.
n.
o.
p.
q.
r.
Pressure vessels (air)
 When last inspected
UMS Operation
 Check of for reliable operation
 Methods of checking operation of monitoring equipment
 Check some random items for operation
 UMS certificate to comply with recognised classification society
Fire Systems
 When smothering system serviced
 When extinguishers serviced
 When fire detection system check for safe operation and regular testing
Refrigeration systems
 Type of compressor/s
 Gas type
 Used for what purpose
 Primary and/or secondary system
Sanitary System
 Type
 Operation
Bilge System
 Type of separator
 Overboard monitor
 Discharge to recirculation or to retention tank
 Types of emergency bilge systems
 Alarms
Steering gear
 Type
 Condition of equipment
 Satisfactory operation
 Means of emergency steering
 Condition of steering compartment
Thruster (if fitted)
 Locations
 Type
 Driven by
 Hours
 Condition
 Condition of space
Machinery Spaces in General
Machinery spaces could include separate generator spaces, hydraulic pump
spaces, refrigeration compressor spaces, emergency generator and batteries
spaces.
To be considered are:
 Means of escape
 Types of smothering systems
 Vents and closures
 Remote shut offs, smothering system operation
 Machinery guards etc
 General condition, including condition of bilges and housekeeping practices, in
particular reductions of hazards including fire and risk of personal injury
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5. General Condition of Hull and Decks (including Fishing Gear)
Check the following:
a. Condition of bulkhead and bulkhead closures if fitted, check remote operation
b. Condition of tank vents and filler pipes and closures
c. Condition of space closures, to below decks, check houses, machinery spaces
d. Condition of freeing ports including size, number and possible obstructions
e. Condition of masts rigging and fittings
f. Condition of lifting gear, ie. Goose necks, blocks, wires and hydraulics
g. Observe aloft for how ice might form on areas, with the danger to personnel under
in mind.
h. Check the anchor arrangements, types and amounts of cable and general
conditions of cables.
i. General condition of access ladders, hand rails bulwarks and coamings
j. Inspection of fish tank if possible
k. Inspection of void spaces
Note: If vessel out of water:
 Check external steering gear condition
 Type and condition of rudder/s
 Propellers stern tubes, brackets and nozzles if applicable
 External condition of thrusters
 General hull condition
 Comments on condition of wind and weather line
 Condition of hawser pipes
6. Stability
a. Trim and Stability Booklet
Check book is up to date and that Skipper has a good knowledge of the book’s contents.
The Skipper must ensure that the Trim and Stability Booklet is suitable for him to
calculate the vessel’s stability under all likely operating conditions.
b. Crew Knowledge
Interview Deck and Engineer officers and check that that they have a good knowledge of
factors that may influence stability in the proposed area of operation, in particular the
risks created by the following and how these can be minimised:
 high sea states
 water on deck
 ice and snow accumulation
 stowage or suspension of weights high up on the vessel
 fishing gear hook up
 partially filled tanks
 stowage of holds
Note: In relation to the removal of ice accumulation, check that there is
satisfactory equipment on board to assist in this task, that it is in good
condition and that the crew are aware of removal methods. For guidance,
the following text is reprinted as contained in the1974 IMCO publication
Code of Safety for Fishermen and Fishing Vessels, Part A, Safety and
Health Practice for Skippers and Crew.
“Typical list of equipment and hand tools required for combating ice formation:
5 Ice crows or crowbars
5 Axes with long handles
5 Picks
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5
5
3
3
Metal scrapers
metal Shovels
Wooden sledgehammers
fore and aft lines to be rigged each side of the open deck fitted with
travellers to which lizards can be attached.
Safety belts with spring hooks should be provided for no less that 50 per cent of
the members of the crew (but no less than 5 sets), which can be attached to the
lizards.
Notes:
1. Number of hand tools and life-saving appliances may be increased at the shipowners’
discretion.
2. Hoses which may be used for ice combating should be readily available on board.”
7. Health and Safety
a.
b.
Safety Culture
Interview crew members to form an opinion as to the general safety culture that
exists on board the vessel and inspect the vessel for evidence of good safety
practices. This might include:
 Knowledge of responsibilities in relation to Occupational Health and Safety
 Provision of any safety and lifesaving publications, including any company
literature
 Knowledge of the location and use of any item of lifesaving and fire fighting
equipment
 Provision and knowledge of correct use of personal protective equipment
(PPE)
 Good housekeeping practices in relation to hygiene and reduction of hazards,
especially those that pose the risk of personal injury and fire.
 Safety signs, including those that relate electric shock and the wearing of PPE
Observer Health and Safety
Inspect the areas proposed for use by Observers, including accommodation,
ablutions and messing arrangements and deck areas where the Observer might
carry out his/her duties eg. trawl deck and gantries. The purpose of the inspection
is to ensure a satisfactory standard of cleanliness and hygiene and Observer
personal safety. Arrangements should be so that the risks to Observers from
disease and injury are minimised as far as is practicable.
In accordance with AFMA requirements, Observers should be provided with
facilities to the following minimum standard:
 a satisfactory grade of accommodation and victualling, preferably on a single
basis and of an equivalent standard to a junior officer on board;
 medical care to an adequate standard (see para 2. e)
 a safe and healthy living and working environment in which the Observers are
free from any form of harassment, duress and undue influence, and
 sufficient safety equipment including but not limited to, survival suits, places in
liferafts and safety harnesses.
8. Suitability for Operation in High Sea States
Conduct an inspection of the vessel to form an opinion of the vessel’s suitability for
operation in high sea states in relation to any dangers that may be posed to personnel.
These may include such things as vessel motion, exposure to the elements, including
high winds, and sea spray and water washing on deck. The possibility of personnel
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fatigue in relation to the foregoing should also be taken into account. This assessment
should consider such things as:
 Inherent Stability
 Size
 Bow height
 Draught
 Freeboard
 Bulwarks and shielding
 Freeing ports
 Guardrails
 Life lines
 Access to important compartments without the need to proceed on deck
Note: To assist in making this assessment evidence may be required to be presented
by the operators that the vessel or a similar vessel has operated successfully in
the sub Antarctic or like regions in the past. Like regions in the Northern
Hemisphere might include the Denmark Strait and the Greenland Fishery.
9. Communications
Check that the vessel communications equipment which equates to the GMDSS
requirements of Area 3. Check that equipment is serviceable and antennae are in good
order. If necessary, ask for a practical demonstration. At least two persons should be in
possession of a valid GMDSS General Operator’s Certificate.
Notes:
1. If a GMDSS outfit to area A3 requirements is not fitted, the vessel operator’s would
need to demonstrate that the equipment fitted is satisfactory for the receiving and
sending of urgency messages including weather forecasts, navigation warnings and
distress messages. In any event, the vessel is to be fitted with a 406MHz EPIRB.
2. The vessel will be required to be fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)
transponder, which normally utilises Inmarsat C.
10.
Crewing
a.
Qualifications and Experience
Check the Certificates of Competency of the deck and engineer officers, to ensure
that they are valid and suitable for both the vessel and its area of operation. The
requirements of Marine Orders Part 51 may be used for guidance. In the event
that there is doubt as to the validity of any certificate, guidance may be sought
from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. It is a requirement that deck and
engineer officers produce a Résumé detailing their experience. These may be
used in the determination of an opinion as the suitability of certain personnel.
b.
Crew Numbers
Whilst regulations may permit the crewing of vessels by two watchkeepers in the
deck and engine room departments, it is considered that the characteristics of the
area of operation and the average time on task increase the risks of key personnel
becoming fatigued. With this in mind, AFMA have indicated that priority may be
given to vessels that operate with excess of a two watch (watch on – watch off)
system. The numbers of qualified personnel and intended operating methods will
need to be determined, in order to form an opinion as to whether the ‘fatigue
factor’ has been addressed in a satisfactory manner.
Note:
It is an AFMA requirement that all vessels must have an English-speaking
Skipper.
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